SHENZHEN: Denza is a new name in the expanding circle of electric cars.
The new Denza brand for the electric vehicle developed by BYD Daimler New Technology Co Ltd (BDNT), the 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese electric battery and car manufacturer BYD, was formally revealed here at the “EV – The Future” event.
The first public appearance of the Denza concept car will be at Auto China in Beijing next month, with first production planned in 2013.
China is one of the countries with the highest potential for electric vehicle adoption as a result of a rapid economic growth, increased urbanisation, and government-backed green initiatives.
Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving. With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles. Daimler and BYD said they are not only participating in the growth of electric mobility in China but would accelerate it even further with their BDNT Joint Venture.
The BDNT joint venture was signed in May 2010 and the Chinese government granted a business license in March 2011.
The Denza name and logo have been carefully crafted for Chinese consumers.
The name suggests strength from profound and positive associations with the Chinese characters téng shì, which mean “rising power and momentum” – referring both to the attributes of the car as well as its aim to play a leading role in the EV market.
DENZA is also a distinctive name in the English language with no prior associations.